Council has approved moving forward with rehabilitation work on the Veterans Memorial Bridge in Simcoe Ontario.
The project focuses on repairs to the Veterans Memorial Bridge Simcoe, which has been identified as needing upgrades to extend its useful lifespan.
Engineering firm G. Douglas Vallee Ltd. was hired in 2024 to design the rehabilitation project and oversee construction.
Planned work includes concrete repairs to the bridge structure, replacement of bearing seats on bridge abutments, widening of the sidewalk on the west side of the bridge and installation of new street lighting.
The project will also involve replacing railings and safety barriers, installing erosion protection along the riverbank and repaving the roadway across the bridge and surrounding approaches.
To minimize disruption, construction will be completed in two stages with one lane of traffic maintained in each direction during the project.
The contract was awarded to Urbanlink Civil Ltd., which submitted the lowest bid at just over $2.5 million.
However, the final project cost is slightly higher than the original budget due to increased construction expenses, including steel materials and additional work required to protect nearby heritage features such as the Carillon Tower.
Council approved a budget amendment to allow the project to proceed.
Officials say the work is expected to be substantially completed before Remembrance Day ceremonies held annually near the Carillon Tower.